'At home for visitors': An interpersonal
relationship model of orientation

The 'Arts Network' Transition and Mentoring Program at the University of Sydney helps to build a supportive learning community for all undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts, especially for commencing first years. One of the main ways the program works to create this sense of community is to introduce new students to academic culture and to institutional systems and support services through a model of interpersonal relationships and networking, rather than one of information transmission.

Program participants express very positive perceptions regarding the strategies we use for promoting interaction and communication between students in the program. Strategies we have employed to date for involving staff in the program, however, have not always been perceived as fully effective.

This paper focuses on a new strategy we are piloting, based on our philosophy of orientation through interpersonal contact and networking (cf. Grayson, Clarke and Miller, 1998). This strategy aims to involve both academic and general staff in welcoming new students in a personal way and helping them to perceive staff members as approachable and helpful. As part of an orientation activity - a 'photographic scavenger hunt' around campus - senior student mentors introduce new students to participating staff, in staff offices. The paper reports on responses to the pilot from all those involved: first years, senior students, academic and general staff.

Grayson, A., Clarke, D.D. & Miller, H. (1998). Help-seeking among students: Are lecturers seen as a potential source of help? Studies in Higher Education 23 (2), 143 - 155.